Issa Tchiroma Bakary Declares Firm Stance Against Alleged Electoral Fraud

October 24, 2025

Opposition Leader Declares Victory, Vows to Defend Vote in Cameroon Election

Garoua, Cameroon – issa Tchiroma Bakary, a prominent opposition figure in Cameroon, has publicly proclaimed himself the winner of the October 12th Presidential Election. He firmly stated he will not concede defeat if the official results,due to be announced Monday,do not reflect his asserted victory adn pledged to vigorously defend the integrity of the electoral process.

Claims of Victory and Allegations of Fraud

Bakary, 76, maintains his campaign team has meticulously compiled results from individual polling stations across the nation, leading him to confidently declare his win. He accuses the ruling party of attempting to manipulate the outcome and has challenged them to prove his assertions incorrect.According to bakary, he secured approximately 55% of the vote, based on data representing 80% of the electorate.

The ruling CPDM party has dismissed Bakary’s claims as unlawful, emphasizing that only the Constitutional Council possesses the authority to officially announce the election results. Despite these dismissals, Bakary remains resolute, asserting that existing laws do not prohibit him from declaring his victory based on available data.

A Political Veteran’s shift

Bakary’s decision to challenge President Paul Biya, who has held power for 43 years, marks a meaningful shift for the former government minister.He previously served in Biya’s management, holding positions such as Minister of Transport and Minister of Communications. Though, he resigned from his post in June, criticizing Biya’s long-standing rule and alleging a disconnect from the needs of the Cameroonian people.

His defection and subsequent campaign rallies have energized segments of the population seeking change. The economic stagnation, rising inflation, and insecurity plaguing Cameroon have fueled discontent, making Bakary a focal point for those yearning for a new direction.

Growing Tensions and Calls for Calm

The delayed declaration of election results has heightened tensions across Cameroon. Protests have erupted in some areas, and security forces have increased patrols, notably at night. Concerns are mounting over the potential for post-electoral violence, especially given the existing separatist conflict in the Anglophone regions and the ongoing threat from Boko Haram in the Far North.

The catholic Church, a highly influential institution in Cameroon, has urged calm and called for the official results to accurately reflect the will of the voters, warning against any attempts to alter the outcome.

A Complex Political Background

Bakary’s personal history is marked by both political service and adversity. he was imprisoned in 1984, accused of plotting to overthrow president Biya, although he was never convicted. During his six years in prison, he learned to speak English and engaged in agricultural work with fellow inmates. This experience, coupled with his subsequent political career, has shaped his outlook and strengthened his resolve.

Key Figure	Position	Age
Issa Tchiroma Bakary	Opposition Leader	76
Paul Biya	Incumbent president	92

Did you Know? Cameroon’s political landscape is deeply divided along linguistic lines, with a Francophone majority and significant anglophone minority. This division has been a contributing factor to the ongoing separatist conflict.

Pro Tip: Understanding the historical context of Cameroon’s political struggles and regional tensions is crucial to interpreting the current election’s implications.

Bakary has apologized for previously defending the government’s actions as communications minister, acknowledging that he was obligated to defend the armed forces at the time, even while aware of alleged atrocities committed during the Anglophone crisis. He maintains his current stance is driven by a commitment to truth and justice.

Will the official results confirm Bakary’s self-proclaimed victory, or will president Biya secure another term? What steps can be taken to ensure a peaceful transition of power, irrespective of the outcome?

Cameroon’s Electoral System: A Deeper Look

Cameroon utilizes a single-round system for presidential elections, meaning the candidate who secures the most votes wins, regardless of whether they achieve a majority. The Constitutional Council plays a crucial role in validating the election results and resolving any disputes.

The country’s electoral process has been subject to scrutiny in the past, with concerns raised about transparency and fairness. International observers often monitor elections to ensure adherence to democratic principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the current political situation in Cameroon? cameroon is facing a tense political climate following the presidential election, with the opposition claiming victory and concerns about potential unrest.
• who is Issa Tchiroma Bakary? He is a former government minister who is now challenging the long-standing rule of President Paul Biya in the presidential election.
• What are the main concerns regarding the election? Concerns revolve around the potential for fraud, the delayed announcement of results, and the risk of post-electoral violence.
• What role does the Catholic Church play in Cameroon? The Catholic Church is a highly influential institution that has called for calm and a fair reflection of the voters’ will in the election results.
• What is the background of the conflict in Anglophone Cameroon? The anglophone regions have been experiencing a separatist conflict due to perceived marginalization and grievances against the central government.

Share your thoughts on Cameroon’s election in the comments below!

What specific articles of the Cameroonian Penal Code will be used to prosecute electoral offenses, according to Issa Tchiroma Bakary?

The Core of the Allegations: Cameroon’s 2025 Presidential Election

recent weeks have seen escalating tensions surrounding the 2025 Cameroonian presidential election results. Allegations of widespread electoral fraud, including ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and irregularities in the vote tallying process, have been levied by several opposition parties and civil society organizations. These claims center around discrepancies reported in multiple regions, particularly in the North and East provinces. Key terms circulating include Cameroon elections, election disputes, and post-election crisis.

Tchiroma Bakary’s Response: A Zero-Tolerance Policy

Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Management, has publicly and unequivocally condemned any attempts to undermine the integrity of the electoral process. In a press conference held on October 23rd, 2025, he stated the government’s commitment to thoroughly investigate all reported instances of election malpractice.

Here’s a breakdown of his key statements:

* Full Investigation: A dedicated commission, comprised of independent legal experts and representatives from both the ruling party and the opposition, will be established to examine the evidence.

* Openness Pledge: All findings of the investigation will be made public,ensuring transparency and accountability.This includes access to electoral records and witness testimonies.

* legal Consequences: Individuals found guilty of electoral fraud will face the full extent of the law,with penalties ranging from hefty fines to imprisonment. He specifically mentioned the application of articles 335 and 336 of the Cameroonian Penal code relating to electoral offenses.

* Call for Calm: Tchiroma Bakary urged citizens to remain calm and refrain from any actions that could incite violence or destabilize the country. He emphasized the importance of resolving election disputes through legal channels.

Examining the Evidence: Reported Irregularities

The allegations of electoral fraud are multifaceted. Reports from election observers and opposition parties highlight several key areas of concern:

1. Voter Registration Issues: Claims of inflated voter lists and the registration of ineligible voters have surfaced. Concerns focus on the accuracy of the national identification system and potential manipulation of the voter database.
2. Ballot Security Concerns: Reports indicate compromised ballot security in several polling stations, with allegations of pre-marked ballots and unauthorized access to ballot boxes.
3. Vote Tallying Discrepancies: Significant discrepancies between the initial vote counts at polling stations and the final results announced by the Electoral Commission (ELECAM) have fueled suspicions of manipulation. This is a central point in the Cameroon election dispute.
4. Intimidation and Harassment: Allegations of voter intimidation and harassment by security forces and ruling party supporters have been reported, potentially influencing voter turnout and the fairness of the election.

The Role of ELECAM and International Observers

The Electoral Commission (ELECAM) has defended the integrity of the election, asserting that any irregularities were isolated incidents and did not considerably impact the overall outcome. However, their statements have been met with skepticism by opposition parties and some international observers.

several international organizations, including the african Union (AU) and the European Union (EU), deployed observer missions to monitor the election. Their preliminary reports have acknowledged some shortcomings in the electoral process,calling for a thorough and impartial investigation of the allegations. The reports specifically mention the need for improved election monitoring and greater transparency in the vote tallying process.

Potential Outcomes and Next Steps

The current situation presents several possible scenarios:

* Prosperous Investigation & Prosecution: If the investigation confirms widespread electoral fraud, it could lead to the annulment of the election results in affected regions or even a nationwide re-election.

* Political Dialogue: Negotiations between the ruling party and the opposition could lead to a power-sharing agreement or othre concessions to address the grievances of the opposition.

* Escalation of Tensions: If the allegations are not adequately addressed, it could lead to further protests, civil unrest, and a deepening of the post-election crisis.

* Judicial Review: Opposition parties are expected to file petitions with the Constitutional Council,challenging the election results and seeking a judicial review of the process. This is a crucial step in resolving the Cameroon elections dispute legally.

Understanding Cameroonian Electoral Law

key aspects of Cameroonian electoral law relevant to these allegations include:

* The Electoral Code: This code outlines the rules and procedures governing elections in Cameroon, including voter registration, campaigning, voting, and vote tallying.

* The Constitutional Council: This body has the final say on the validity of elections and can annul results if it finds evidence of irregularities.

* ELECAM’s Mandate: The Electoral Commission is responsible for organizing and supervising elections, ensuring their fairness and transparency. Its independence and impartiality are frequently debated.

Benefits of a Obvious Investigation

A thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations of electoral fraud offers several benefits:

* Restoring Public Trust: addressing the concerns of the public and demonstrating a commitment to electoral integrity can